What’s at stake with South Carolina vs. Tennessee

As South Carolina prepares to take on Tennessee this weekend, the annual game against the Volunteers again represents a crossroads
for both teams, wrote David Caraviello for SEC Country.

“It certainly did last year, when the Gamecocks’
24-21 ambushing of the then-18th-ranked Volunteers essentially provided the victory that made South Carolina bowl eligible and began the
slow warming of a coaching seat on Rocky Top that must feel white hot to Butch Jones now,” Caravello wrote. “And it will again
Saturday, in a noon ET showdown at Neyland Stadium that will dictate the course of South Carolina’s season, and perhaps even
determine how much longer Tennessee’s coach remains employed.”

Should the Gamecocks win on Saturday, they have a realistic shot at a New Year’s Day bowl game.

The Volunteers have plenty to play for as well. If the Vols fall, Jones’ fate
could be sealed, according to SEC Network host Paul Finebaum.

Gamecocks’ midseason MVPs

One of the brightest spots on the team thus far has been sophomore linebacker T.J. Brunson, who McGranahan named “Biggest
Surprise.”

“It’s not so much a surprise that Brunson is playing well, but more so that he’s been one of the most productive linebackers
in the SEC,” McGranahan wrote. “His 49 tackles, the highest among Gamecocks defenders, is the third-highest total in the SEC.
One of his 2 fumble recoveries, also a team-high, was a 73-yard scoop and score.”

“It was another slow start for Bentley, who completed only 5 of 15 passes for 28 yards in the first quarter,” McGranahan wrote.
“But the sophomore heated up as the game wore on, connecting on 11 of 16 passes for 171 yards and 3 touchdowns.”

According to South Carolina coach Will Muschamp, Bentley’s early struggles could be attributed to some mechanical issues.
Muschamp told reporters Sunday night that the quarterback’s “feet were a little out of whack.”

FSU commit recaps visit to S.C.

The Gamecocks were the first to offer Mukuamu, who’s rated as the No. 556 overall prospect in the Class of 2018, according
to the 247Sports composite.

“It went pretty well,” the 6-foot-5 safety said of his visit. “I think it was very much needed and very helpful, as far as
me getting an in-depth visit, getting my family, my parents around the coaches, seeing the campus and the people.”

Mukuamu attended Berkeley High School in Moncks Corner, S.C., before transferring to Parkway High School in Bossier City,
La. He’s been committed to the Seminoles since July.

Zion Williamson still likes Clemson, South Carolina

He may be getting recruited by college basketball’s blue bloods, but 5-star small forward Zion Williamson has his eye on the
Palmetto State’s top two programs, according to
Lou Bezjak of The State.

“No, you should not count out Clemson or South Carolina,” Williamson told
Rivals’ Krysten Peek. “They’re showing me a lot of love and I like the messages they’re giving me.”

The Spartanburg, S.C., native is rated as the No. 2 overall prospect in the Class of 2018, according to 247Sports.

Feel-good flashback

What better way to prepare for the upcoming South Carolina-Tennessee game than to relive the Gamecocks’ first-ever win in
Knoxville?

Josh Brown’s 49-yard field goal with less than 3 minutes left put the Gamecocks ahead for good in their 16-15 win over the
Volunteers in 2005.